The Bulldogs should find lots of success on Saturday, regardless of who is on the offensive line. Kiante Tripp looks to make his first start at left tackle and he should be able to hold up his own against Georgia Southern's right side of the defensive line. Georgia may try to get on the Eagles early and often so it can rest its offensive line starters later. While Georgia's offensive attack will keep Georgia Southern on its toes, the running game will give the Eagles' defense fits once it gets going. Knowshon Moreno will lead the way, but backups Caleb King and Richard Samuel will get some carries as well.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN DEFENSE
Though Georgia Southern has 53 true and redshirt freshmen, the defense is a little older and experienced. Senior Larry Beard, who was first team All-Southern Conference last year, anchors the defensive line at tackle. Senior Quinton Taylor returns this season after missing a lot due to injury. The secondary starts five defensive backs, with four being juniors and one senior - that being Chris Covington. If the Eagles want to keep the game close, they will have to stop Georgia's running game.
EDGE GEORGIA
Georgia Southern isn't deep enough to handle Georgia's offense. Once Georgia Southern has to key on the run, it will open things up for quarterback Matthew Stafford early and often.
GEORGIA DEFENSE
Georgia doesn't know what to expect, but the Bulldogs do know they will have to prepare for two quarterbacks with different styles. Georgia Southern will look to spread the field, so expect Bryan Evans to get some playing time. On Wednesday, Evans said Prince Miller has been playing the nickel role in these situations. Defensive tackles Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins should help the defensive penetration get through and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe will hold down the middle of the field.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN OFFENSE
The offensive line is in a similar position to Georgia's, starting two redshirt freshman, a sophomore and two juniors. Behind the line, the Eagles will look to play two quarterbacks - redshirt freshman Lee Chapple and sophomore Antonio Henton. Chapple is more of a prototype passing quarterback, while Henton is a dual threat guy who can beat you with his legs. Henton has FBS experience, transferring from Ohio State after Terrelle Pryor enrolled there. Georgia Southern will look to spread the ball and get its speed guys in space.
EDGE GEORGIA
Though Georgia Southern might catch Georgia off guard early, the Bulldogs have the speed on defense to contain any tricks the Eagles may have up their sleeves. Georgia's corners should be fine in one-on-one situations and the linebackers will keep Georgia Southern from getting downfield.
GEORGIA SPECIAL TEAMS
Georgia will start freshman Blair Walsh at placekicker, which is good for the youngster. Walsh has a huge leg and needs to get the reps in before the SEC season starts. The only definite in the return game is that Asher Allen will return kickoffs, as he was fairly successful back there last season.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN SPECIAL TEAMS
Georgia Southern returns senior placekicker Jesse Hartley, and he's got a strong leg. Last year he nailed a 54-yarder to beat South Dakota State and had a 44-yarder that ended up being the game-winner against Appalachian State. Hartley also went 47-47 in extra point attempts and was tied seventh nationally in field goals, averaging nine points a game.
EDGE GEORGIA
At this point in time, Hartley might be the better kicker than Walsh. However, Hartley might not get the opportunity to kick many relevant field goals and Walsh should have lots of practice kicking extra points.
GEORGIA INTANGIBLES
The atmosphere will be electric in Sanford Stadium as the first ever preseason No. 1 Bulldogs run out onto the field. Uga VII also will make his first appearance and the Bulldogs aren't going to want to let him down. It's also of note that head coach Mark Richt has never lost a season opener since becoming head coach at Georgia.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN INTANGIBLES
The Eagles have absolutely nothing to lose and a coach who doesn't know how to lose. Before coming to Georgia Southern, coach Chris Hatcher compiled a 76-12 record at Valdosta State, winning the Division II national championship in 2004. Hatcher is in his second year at Georgia Southern, as he was the coach of last year's Eagles team that knocked off Appalachian State.
EDGE GEORGIA
Georgia Southern will be in front of 92,000 loud and rambunctious fans, many for the first time. Sanford Stadium will be electric and Georgia won't be caught off-guard. Georgia Southern has no chance in this game.
2008 Woodie Awards
Be the first to comment on this story